#01 - The Realities of Dental Care in the Aging Population

Aging Pearls Podcast

“None of us can control how we will age but if we are mindful and intentional, we can inevitably impact our attitudes towards our respective aging process and those around us.” - Dr. Christie Hogue

Hello! Welcome to the Aging Pearls Podcast, where we're dedicated to providing dental pearls for all those concerned with the oral care needs of our aging population. I am Dr. Christie Hogue and in this episode, we will define the status of geratric medicine on dentistry, become aware of the oral health issues of the elderly, and lastly, reflect on the journey - physically, mentally, psychologically - that entails as part of the aging population.

[00:01 – 05:33] Geriatric Dentistry and the Aging Population on Focus

• Dental care for the aging population
• • “Our elderly suffered from a silent epidemic of profound and consequential dental problems." - Dr. David Satcher
  • Oral health for the elderly is often neglected for several reasons such as limitations in income, insurance, transportation, and their physical or mental state.
• Geriatric dentistry as of today
• • Various diseases are prevalent in this population and thus, the health care system must be calibrated specifically.
  • Physical, behavioral and social challenges associated with aging must be considered because of the variability of health status among people.
  • • Impacts the quality of life

[05:34 – 09:10] Oral Health Management Studies and Observations

• The gerontologists’ studies of the older population
• • This is considering chronological versus their functional age.
  • People aged 65 years and older will soon outnumber those children under the age of 5.
  • • Impacts dependence for assistance
• The realities of oral health management of caregivers to the aging population
• • Caregivers prefer to avoid dealing with a patient's mouth.
  • Oral health care is often neglected in nursing homes and even in own homes.
  • • Results to tooth loss, although decreased over the years

[09:11 – 16:05] The Lack of Dental Care and its Repercussions

• Debunking oral myths
• • Getting old does not mean inevitably losing teeth.
  • By developing healthy oral hygiene habits, it is possible to prevent oral diseases!
  • Untreated tooth decay is one of the biggest problems of older adults.
  • • Lacking dental care compared to young adults

[13:03 – 15:08] Final Thoughts

• Self reflection is important for successful aging.
• Join me in this journey!
• Connect with Dr. Christie Hogue – leave a review and comment (links below)

Key Quotes:

“Oral health in the elderly is often neglected due to limitations in income insurance, access to transportation, or physical and mental capacity of the patient.” - Dr. Christie Hogue

“You can prevent gum disease or periodontal disease if you develop healthy oral hygiene habits.” - Dr. Christie Hogue

“Patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, also known as COPD, may be more likely to develop periodontal disease, but they are less likely to get dental care than adults with these chronic diseases.” - Dr. Christie Hogue

Connect with Me!

You can connect with me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and visit my website https://www.mouthmirrorsllc.com/ to learn more.

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